Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD] is a common problem in the United States. It is an anxiety disorder in which the person suffering becomes stuck in “fight-or-flight” mode which is our body’s natural response to dangerous situations. PTSD is caused by witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event such as military combat, natural disasters, rape, and abuse.

For someone suffering from PTSD the “fight-or-flight” response is changed or damaged which means that the body reacts as if it is in a dangerous situation when it is not. This can show up in a number of ways including nightmares, re-living traumatic events over and over [flashbacks], trouble sleeping, outbursts of anger or anxiety, and turning to substances, such as alcohol, as a way to numb oneself.

I appreciate this reminder.. it took me a long time to learn this and I find myself sometimes still stressing about the failures and failing to notice the small victories. I realize, though, it is the small victories that result in great accomplishments.. if we remember to acknowledge the little moments of success.

I’ve seen it happen so many times. A student awakens to the transformative powers of Yoga and realizes that it can have a profound healing effect on their lives. They drink in as much as they can and then ask the world of themselves.

“I’m going to get up two hours earlier every day, practice Yoga and meditate. I’m going to completely revamp my diet, change all my bad habits and transcend all of my insecurities. And then I’m going to….”

These are wonderful intentions, but they are too much to take on in the beginning. Our enthusiasm is often greater than our capacity to do all that we have required of ourselves. As a result, instead of experiencing the transformation we so desire, we experience a failure. This is incredibly painful, damages our self-confidence and self-esteem, and can end our journey of self-discovery, healing and personal growth.